Nigeria’s pioneer female train driver, Issah Abiola, has been honoured with the prestigious Friendship Envoy Award at the 2nd Orchid Awards Ceremony held in Beijing, China.
The event, organised by the China Foreign Language Bureau, celebrates individuals and institutions that foster international cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Abiola, known in China as Bai Yang, was recognised for her remarkable contributions to China-Nigeria relations through her work and public outreach.
Abiola’s journey began in 2008 as an office assistant with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). Determined to bridge communication gaps, she taught herself Mandarin and gradually rose through the ranks. Her language skills and work ethic earned her a key role in the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and Abuja Metro projects.
In 2013, Abiola broke new ground by becoming the only woman selected for train driver training. After intensive studies and practical sessions, she made history on July 12, 2018, as the first Nigerian woman to operate a passenger train. Since then, she has completed over 2,000 train trips, transporting more than one million passengers safely.
Beyond her technical achievements, Abiola has become a cultural ambassador, actively promoting Chinese-Nigerian cooperation through education, mentorship, and media engagements. Her story has been widely covered by international media as a shining example of the people-to-people ties championed under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The Orchid Award, aligned with the Global Civilization Initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlights individuals advancing shared values, intercultural dialogue, and global cooperation. According to CCECC, the recognition adds to several other accolades Abiola has received, including the China-Nigeria Friendship Contribution Award and commendations from former President Muhammadu Buhari.
CCECC praised Abiola’s contributions, noting her current role as a certified trainer mentoring a new generation of female train drivers. The company emphasised that the Abuja Metro project, where she is based, has created nearly 5,000 jobs—98% of which are held by Nigerians—with a growing number taking up leadership roles.
Abiola continues to participate in cultural and technical training programmes in both Nigeria and China, embodying the spirit of cross-cultural understanding and local empowerment.
Speaking after receiving the award, Abiola expressed gratitude: “This Orchid Award means a lot to me. It is not just a friendship award but a symbol of recognition from both China and Nigeria. I feel valued, excited, and honoured.”
She offered a message of encouragement to aspiring women in non-traditional roles: “To every Nigerian woman dreaming of becoming a train driver—go for it! Don’t let stereotypes or societal limits hold you back. With determination, hard work, and the right training, you can excel. Believe in yourself, break barriers, and inspire others.”
CCECC reaffirmed its commitment to local capacity development, technology transfer, and cultural collaboration, stating that Abiola’s story reflects the broader success of people-centred China-Africa cooperation.
